Jaymi's 7th Birthday

Dear Jaymi,

Seven years ago you were born thousands of miles away. I often wonder what I was doing on that day, March 1, 2007. If only I was better at journaling, I would know. I do know that I was a young married girl. Your dad and I had been married for just under two years. I was in my last semester of college in the middle of student teaching at a local high school. Life was really busy for us as we were both going to school and working. We hadn't thought much about starting a family yet as I knew I wanted to complete my degree so that when the time came to be a mom, I could do it full-time, like I had always dreamed. It seems crazy to me that such a huge event, your birth happened and I had no idea. I had no idea that MY daughter was born that day in Russia. I know that day was a sad day for your birth mother and father as they walked away from the hospital without their baby girl. They were told by doctors that you were severely handicapped and would need to be sent to an institution to live out your life. Your mom was so sad, she went back to the hospital days later because she wanted to see you. She was told that you were sent far away and they didn't know where. I know your birth mom loved you and her heart was broken for the decision she felt she had to make that day. She still loves you and always will.

Fast forward seven years and here we are. I wanted to make this birthday a special one for you. Last year we had just gotten home from Russia and we kept things pretty simple as we were all adjusting to our new life. You had been to a handful of birthday parties throughout the year so I knew you were getting excited for your own. I debated on whether to do just a cousin's party or friend party and decided to do both. I feel like a big part of you and Kaelyn's mission here on earth is to teach us all more love and acceptance. I thought inviting everyone from all area's of your life would be a great way to do that. We invited your friends from school, church, buddies with Down syndrome, neighborhood friends and cousins.

I also wanted to incorporate part of your Russian heritage, so we used the popular matroyshka doll as our theme. I came home with lots of these dolls from Russia over the year we adopted you. I have always loved nesting dolls and cherished the one my aunt Joyce gave me years ago from China. I loved making this cake for you. I was up late into the night getting it frosted, but loved every minute of it. I was definitely a labor of love and I hope you felt that as we celebrated your special day.

We couldn't forget the cupcakes, you sure love cupcakes! Oh and the ice cream, now that is your favorite food for sure!

We started off the day by having a pizza party with all your aunts, uncles, grandparents and cousins. Pizza is one of your favorite foods. After we ate we all watched a video Dad and I put together of pictures from the last couple years of your life. One thing that makes me sad is that we only have one picture of you when you were a baby and I'm guessing your we around a year old. I would give any thing to track down more pictures of your childhood, but I don't know where to start. We asked the children's home and they didn't have any.

Kaelyn had a good time playing with the bean bag toss toys. You all looked so cute in your Russian doll dresses that Grandma Ruth and I made you for Christmas.

Our family friend gave you a beautiful Russian faberge egg. You love it, it will be a treasure to help remind you of your heritage.

And it also doubles as glasses?

After the family party we gathered all your girl friends for the main event. They all came to play, get dolled up and spoil you with wonderful gifts.

Daddy and I made this life sized Matroyshka doll that doubled as a bean bag toss and photo booth for the party.

We were so happy that Jaymi's two Russian friends, both adopted like her were able to make it to the party. 

As you can see Kaelyn was less than thrilled to be in this picture.

Some of the cute little girls from our neighborhood gave the party guests make-overs and manicures.

It was even a nice enough day outside that we could use the little playground.

Getting her nails painted is one of Jaymi's favorite things to do.  She had been talking about this all week.

Jaymi loved all the attention and chance to finally open her own presents after attending a few birthday parties since she has been home.

The little Russian's and their new Matroyshka dolls.

One Year

Dear Jaymi Viktoria,

Yesterday we celebrated your one year anniversary as a member of our family.  Its crazy how it seems like just yesterday I rode that airport escalator with you to greet our loved ones.  I will always remember the pure joy and excitement and you finally got to meet your little sisters.  Your grandmas and grandpas.  Your cousins and friends.  You were so thrilled.  I am still amazed at how you entered this new life like you had been waiting for it all along.  You didn't question it.  You didn't mourn the life you left behind in Russia.  You were just so excited to start anew.  So excited to take everything this new life had to offer you.  You really and truly, never looked back.  Everyday you life with such excitement wondering what the day will have to offer you.  Friends? Family? School? Church?  You love it all.

I would be lying if I said this year and all the changes it brought to me as a mother were easy.  I envied how easily you seemed to adjust.  How easily you loved me, even when it didn't seem like I deserved it.  You have been such an example to us.  You are so forgiving, so loving, so ready and eager to learn.  So patient with us all as we have learned and grown over the past year.  Being a parent to an older child was so much harder than your dad and I expected, and will little sister Bryn moving up the ranks in age, we had quite the learning to do.  Thank you for being patient with us and we figured this all out.  Our task as parents seemed overwhelming at times and without the help of our family and friends, we could not have done it.  We continue to learn daily about how to best be your parents, thank you for showing us the way.

Your little sisters just adore you and look up to you so much.  Bryn wants to be just like you and Kaelyn loves when you take time to get down and play with her.  I love when we come to your class on Thursday's and how you watch out for them.  You make sure Bryn gets everything everyone else does and that she follows the classroom rules.  The other day someone took a toy from Kaelyn during recess and you promptly took it back and made sure they knew not to pick on her.  You are so sweet and tender with Kaelyn, it makes my heart so happy.  You are so patient and forgiving with Bryn as she learns how to be nice.  She gets so excited to play with you when you get home from school.  I love when I hear you both giggling together.  No one makes you laugh harder than your silly sister Bryn and visa versa.  I love that Kaelyn and Bryn were so young when you joined our family, that they will never remember life without you here.

You are such a great example of being kind and making friends everywhere you go.  Every time we come to your school we see kids in other classes that know you by name and are excited to see you.  You make everyone feel good with your happy hello's and genuine hugs and high fives.  The kids are so kind to you in church and you are such a great example to them by how much you love primary.  You get so excited when you get to go in front and help with music or sharing time.

Today we celebrated by playing with friends, going swimming with cousins and eating pizza.  Swimming is one of your favorite activities so it was very fitting that one year later, thats what we were doing as a family.

Love Always,
Mommy